Or I may become a Pro player to increase my productivity so that the cost of production is reduced. But should I have to become a Pro-player to be able to survive economically in this game?

Well, in some way, it is meant to be that way. The time as a Non-Pro-Player is thought as some kind of demonstration. You shall have a look into the game, but if you can play the full game without registering, why should anyone register?

And, although the prices are very low, there is a risk in purchasing, for it is quite possible you do not get the ressources because the others offered higher or just out of luck. I'm producing at every rate which is about 9 and 10.... German Kosmor showed these are the first useful rates. Examples are Optium, which is always quite cheap cos it is needed less than the other, and Plasma, cos Lasers and Torpedo Launchers requires this thing like hell.

Production rates of 13 and above are pretty good, the highest I have is 20. Even as a pro-user with the corresponding building, one can _never_ sell Titanium for 3 credits and gain anything. People doing this are either stupid or desperate. If one is low on money, it can be better to sell underprize than to raze the mines, since they will cost 2000 to rebuild.
Since everyone seems to build mines and stuff at the beginning, and since right now the ship-production is not so high, there is more raw material production than needed.

Later on, as the experience in german kosmor shows, prices will go up significantly, since population increases for months on a planet, but mines are fully built after some weeks. Thus, while right now there is an excess of raw materials, later there will be "excess" of money, making the raw materials cheaper.

(I'm sure Maelstroem can tell you somewhat more of this economic stuff

Well, in some way, it is meant to be that way. [...] You shall have a look into the game, but if you can play the full game without registering, why should anyone register?

I understand the politics in making players want to become Pro, (and even if I haven't played for long - the game is _good_) but if I gets "kicked" out of play I won't have time to want to upgrade before I get's desilutioned and runs home crying...

quijote wrote:

Later on, as the experience in german kosmor shows, prices will go up significantly, since population increases for months on a planet, but mines are fully built after some weeks. Thus, while right now there is an excess of raw materials, later there will be "excess" of money, making the raw materials cheaper.

Now, THIS is something I like to hear... If this goes for supplies and components also, I am looking forward to making some nice and profittable deals.